Abstract images are conceived or imagined outside of ‘reality’. They can encompass a huge variety of subject matter, take us out of our comfort zone, make us question what we see, or invite us to enter another realm.

First Contact – inspired by distant galaxies and nebulae

Not the Usual Frames of Reference

In abstract photography, often there aren’t the usual frames of reference for the viewer; they’re not looking at anything immediately recognisable or discernible. This lack of context in which to evaluate an image is one of the reasons why abstract photography can be so challenging and equally enthralling!

The subject matter is often implied or suggested rather than overtly and literally presented.

Golden Spirals – an enigma!

‘Golden Spirals’ is a good example of this, with the final photograph being completely removed and unrecognisable from the original subject matter. If curiosity gets the better of you and you’d like to know how I created this image ‘in camera’, check out my Exposed #2 Article.

Gaining Visual Understanding and Satisfaction

As abstract photography is non-representational and the intent is not to reflect or convey anything ‘concrete’ or ‘real’, the photographer must rely on other facets of composition and structure to give meaning and substance to the work.

Viewers must be able to gain visual satisfaction and understanding from the skilful construction and manipulation of shapes and patterns into a pleasing whole.

Photographers will generally emphasise lines and curves, colours, textures, geometrical forms and their relationship to, and interaction with one another. Thus, the internal structure and intrinsic form of an abstract photograph are hugely important.

Examining Form and Structure

In the following images, you’ll see how I use these different elements to create my abstracts and provide the crucial, underlying compositional structure.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road – lining things up

‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’ uses repeating lines and angular patterns to provide cohesion across the three Triptych panels.

Colour Cathedral – curving arches

As the title suggests, the magnificent curving arches found in old cathedrals was the inspiration behind ‘Colour Cathedral’. If you’d like a behind the scenes look at how I created this image ‘in camera’, please read my Exposed #1 Article.

Colour Contours – playing with colour and shape

In ‘Colour Contours’ the colours play an integral part in the composition, offsetting the uniformity and repetition of line with their semi-random flow across the image.

Ingrained – texture to the fore

Swirling and rippling textures give ‘Ingrained’ a sense of organic movement and growth.

Another common technique employed by abstract photographers is to include movement within the image. This can be achieved in a number of ways from using a panning action to a zoom burst. You can have the subject move or move your camera, or even both. Choosing a more indistinct and ‘amorphous’ interpretation can open up many additional creative possibilities.

Mystifying rather than Explanatory

All photography works on an instinctive and subconscious level, but more-so with abstracts. When we look at these types of images we connect on an emotional level and don’t necessarily have a rational or logical response. The images are suggestive rather than direct, mystifying rather than explanatory.

Tulip – like looking at liquid gold

A great deal is left up to the imagination of both the artist and the viewer, and this, ultimately, is where the power of abstract photography lies. We can express a truly unique vision.

The Triptych Connection

Over the Shoulder – extra freedom in the triptych format

As you will have seen, many of my abstracts are in fact Triptychs. I love working in this genre and enjoy the extra freedom and creativity the three panel format affords me. My Exposed #3 Article reveals the subject matter behind ‘Over the Shoulder’.

You can find more information on the subject of abstract photography in my articles, What Makes a Good Abstract Photograph and the Top 10 Reasons for taking Abstract Photos.Jane Trotter is an abstract photographer living in Dunedin, New Zealand. Reimagining everyday objects found around the home, Jane transforms them into colourful and dramatic pieces of contemporary art. Her Fine Art Prints are available in sizes A4 to A1.

I’d like to start by giving you a little background. I’m a musician. I’ve played the piano since I was nine years old and I’ve been teaching the piano for over twenty years. Along the way I ventured into composition and created a series of books for young pianists. The process of writing music and ultimately getting published was a challenge which I greatly enjoyed.

Having achieved this goal, I then started to look for a new and different creative challenge. Something visual seemed perfect as it would complement my musical background. However, my ability to produce anything on canvas which would contain the slightest kernel of artistic merit is nil. That narrowed down the field considerably to photography.

So, I decided to join the Dunedin Photographic Society and Dunedin Camera Club. Being a complete photographic novice, I looked, and listened and absorbed as much information as I possibly could. But for the first few years I really only dabbled. Frankly, I desperately needed some sense of direction and motivation!

‘Dishrack in Repose’ from Shadow Study

Then a friend of mine suggested working with a theme. This simple suggestion proved to be very influential and kick started the first, of what was to become many photographic studies. I decided to begin with something familiar and used objects from around my home as the starting point for gathering material for these studies.

I soon discovered I wanted to go beyond presenting the various items in any ‘realistic’ way, and instead, began to experiment with and explore more unconventional methods of presentation and interpretation.

‘Rim of Tin’ from ‘3’ Study

Several months and several studies later it was very clear to me that I was drawn to abstract imagery – everything I’d taken had been abstract. Furthermore, I hadn’t had to leave the house to create my images – I was managing to find enough material to keep me occupied, motivated and challenged at home.

Abstracted Reality was born!Jane Trotter is an abstract photographer living in Dunedin, New Zealand. Reimagining everyday objects found around the home, Jane transforms them into colourful and dramatic pieces of contemporary art. Her Fine Art Prints are available in sizes A4 to A1.